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So with some sadness, we awoke this morning with the realisation that this leg of the wider European trip was ending tonight.... thankfully this was mixed with real happiness as we would soon be seeing both sides of the family and a chance to reunite with Tizzy (our pet Labrador)

The start of the day was consumed with making the van clean and ready for some time without use - as we intend to stay in the UK for Christmas before heading back into Europe in the New Year.... so with 'Taylor' washed (both inside and out), we set off on foot to see what Honfleur had to offer...

It really is a beautiful site, with almost Dutch-esqe buildings and a wonderful working harbour - it really is the pride of the Normandy seaside villages... restaurants adorn the main harbour while the fishermen toil to the east of the harbour gates....

After a superb breakfast of crepes and croissants on the quayside, we headed back to the van and then off towards Dieppe... and the Carrefour!!! More supplies loaded in the van and then down to the ferry port...

Somewhat frustratingly, the ferry was 1hr late, we mused on the reasons but were soon more than aware of why there was such a delay... it was a rough, rough crossing with some sizeable swells with most on board wearing a small tinge of green by the end...

So back in Blighty, we headed northwards to London and a chance to see Grandma on her birthday.... much is planned over the next few weeks so it may revert to the occasional blog rather than a daily account.... but will certainly be restarted when we head to Belgium, Netherlands and the French WW1 battlefields in the New Year...

We arrived after lunch at Mont St Michel, the deserted car park suggested it may have been a less than worthwhile visit - so we declined the opportunity to visit the island (having done so in 2013) and we headed inland for some decent pictures of the Mont....

After this, we made the decision to visit Bayeux (an inspired choice...) which proved to be a wonderful 'chocolate box' town with some stunning street and shops and the famous Bayeux tapestry and D Day landings museum...

Although we weren't sure it would prove so, the girls were transfixed by the tapestry museum - with a wonderful audioguide that brought the tapestry to life, followed by a wonderful exhibition and then a fantastic video in their cinema... brilliant!!!!!

Haivng discussed it earlier, we chose to also visit the D Day landings museum and discuss the sacrifices made by our grandparents generation... although a rushed hour towards the end of the day, this was highly emotive and really made it clear how much had been sacrificed and how hard it had been to successfully complete the Normandy landings... the girls were again hugely interested if a little sad at the misery caused to the soldiers and French civilians...

With decision to make tomorrow, we once more headed north to Honfleur for the promise of a wonderful 'San Sebastian' type of seaside town and then a chance to visit Camenbert tomorrow before arriving at Dieppe for the journey home....

Certainly mixed feelings tonight, sad to leave this journey, excited to family and our dog again and also a little keen to start preparing for Christmas (so say the girls!!!!)

Having awoken to the familiar surroundings of Montagne, it was a wrench to leave... but leave we must!!! However we did manage a look at the gite again.... both girls have loved this opportunity!!!

Then off towards Angers and the lure of a Christmas market that is renowned in France for foodies!!! Despite the lengthy 500km journey again!!!! we arrived in good spirits at a very central aire - near to the castle!!!

Having donned our cold weather gear, we headed into the night and a chance to sample this much vaunted food!!!

Well the hot chocolate, mulled wine and churros were a delight!!! and the merry go round was well tested!!! oops we also bought some hand warming pouches for the girls, cards and a few other bits and bobs!! Christmas planning has started!!!

Off then to the 'Grande Route' and a chance to see the city from a decent 11 storey height with some fantastic neon light displays too!!!

With tummies rumbling, we found a perfect little pizzeria on a back road near the centre and both girls tucked into some fantastic Italian food!!! All plates were emptied (a first for the trip) and we returned to the van feeling 'well feed and watered'!

Early morning start to test the girl's new archery kit!!! Far better than expected and well worth the 50 euros! Great fun for an hour or so then off to pastures new....

This included a fabulous drive on the coastal road, past beautiful coves with gigantic waves!!! Some of which were being surfed - much to the girls obvious delight!

Then onto Pamplona, sadly we knew we only had an hour or so - so it was a very fleeting visit to make sure we had seen the route of the bulls and passed across the beautiful mountain pass into Pamplona...

Then northwards to the border and into France... then upwards to our favourite village at Montagne sur Gironde....

Another 500km + day but well worth every km!!! and have now gained an extra day in France.... Paris or Versailles??? or maybe try to visit a chateaux with their Christmas lights in full show.... Fingers crossed for more sunshine!!!